Question

Which of the following is a primary reason for India's strategic interest in the Maldives?

• A. Energy resources
• B. India's maritime security in the Indian Ocean
• C. Political alliance with Europe
• D. Cultural and linguistic relation

Hint:

When a small island state sits on key shipping lanes, think SLOCs $\Rightarrow$ maritime security as the primary driver.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Locate the Maldives strategically. The Maldives lies astride critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean through which a major share of India’s trade and energy shipments pass.
Step 2: Link to India's security calculus. Control, surveillance, and friendly access around these SLOCs are essential for India’s maritime domain awareness, anti-piracy/terror operations, disaster response, and protection of shipping.
Step 3: Eliminate alternatives. Energy resources (A) are not the primary attraction; political alliance with {Europe} (C) is unrelated; cultural ties (D) exist but are not the {primary} strategic reason.
Step 4: Conclude. \[ \boxed{\text{India’s prime interest is maritime security in the Indian Ocean (Option B).}} \]